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ICD-10 Coding for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder(F34.81)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

DMDD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

F30-F39Primary Range

Mood [affective] disorders

This range includes mood disorders, with F34.81 specifically for DMDD.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for DMDD

Essential facts and insights about Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

The ICD-10 code for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is F34.81.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for dmdd

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits chronic irritability and frequent temper outbursts.

coding Criteria

  • Exclude ODD and bipolar disorder before coding DMDD.

documentation Criteria

  • Document symptom frequency, settings, and exclusions.

Applicable To

  • Chronic irritability
  • Severe temper outbursts

Excludes

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (F91.3)
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder (F63.81)
  • Bipolar Disorder (F31.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent irritable mood present ≥8 hours/day, ≥5 days/week for 14 consecutive months
  • Temper outbursts occur 3-4 times weekly, lasting 25-40 minutes
  • No hypomanic episodes or grandiosity observed in past 12 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with ODD or bipolar disorder
  • Not documenting age of onset or symptom duration

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation excludes bipolar symptoms and meets all DMDD criteria.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

F90.x
Use alongside F34.81 if ADHD symptoms are present.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

F91.3
ODD is characterized by defiance and opposition to authority, not chronic irritability.

Bipolar Disorder

F31.x
Bipolar disorder includes episodic mania or hypomania, unlike DMDD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F34.81.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Include detailed symptom descriptions

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates DSM-5/ICD-10 coding hierarchy., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Only code F34.81 for DMDD when criteria for both are met.

Impact

Failure to document exclusion of bipolar disorder.

Mitigation Strategy

Include explicit exclusion statements in clinical notes.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Child with DMDD and ADHD

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Behavioral observations
  • Diagnostic criteria
  • Exclusion statements

Example Documentation

Persistent irritability and frequent outbursts documented in both home and school settings.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Mood swings and tantrums
Good Documentation Example
Three 30-minute verbal/physical outbursts weekly when denied iPad access, with 2-hour post-outburst irritability
Explanation
The good example provides specific frequency, duration, and context, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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